Apple Creating New ‘Adaptive Streaming’ Audio File Format for iCloud

According to a report from the Guardian, Apple currently has plans underway for a new audio file format that will adjust its quality based on bandwidth and storage available on the receiving iOS device, to be optimized for iCloud:

A source with inside knowledge of the process says Apple has asked a London studio to prepare audio files for a new streaming format that will adapt to bandwidth or hardware capabilities.

“All of a sudden, all your audio from iTunes is in HD rather than AAC. Users wouldn’t have to touch a thing – their library will improve in an instant,” said the source, who requested to remain anonymous.

Potentially, it will allow an iPhone user to access smaller file types to avoid using significant mobile internet bandwidth, but allow those with a fast connection to download or stream studio quality music.

This new file format would allow for higher quality audio streams to be downloaded to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and also noted is the possibility of a music streaming service, to take advantage of Apple’s purchase of music streaming service Lala. With Apple announcing the iPad 3 media event for next week on March 7th, speculation is this new ‘adaptive streaming’ format might make its debut at the announcement.